Ferraina/Bennett​/Peters Slate Run For Long Branch BOE

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Joseph Ferraina, Caroline Bennett and Violeta Peters are running as a slate on the Long Branch Board of Education race this Tuesday.

Ferraina is the retired superintendent of Long Branch Public Schools, Bennett is a retired nurse and now a minister and currently on the school board.

And Peters is also currently on the Long Branch school board.

Ferraina is the former long-time Long Branch schools superintendent who retired amid sexual harassment accusations from his former administrative assistant Adele Russo in 2011, the Asbury Park Press reported. He ran for a seat on the school board in 2019 and lost; this is his second attempt.

Patch asked all the candidates running to fill out a questionnaire, and here are the answers from the Ferraina/Bennett/Peters slate:

Name: Joseph M. Ferraina
Age: 71
Town: Long Branch, NJ
Occupation: Retired
Education: M.A. Monmouth University
Family: Peggy Ferraina (wife), father of 5 and grandfather of 9

Why are you running?
To put it simply, I am running to serve ... to serve the community, the taxpayers and our students.

What is your platform?

Our main concern is to successfully prepare children for the future. Our team understands that Long Branch schools need to be on the cutting-edge of technology and we will see more funding from the state and federal government for innovative education methods.

Do you have previous experience in the world of politics and government?

Yes, I am retired Superintendent of Long Branch Public Schools. During my tenure, I ensured equality for bilingual students and built five brand new state of the art schools with zero burden to taxpayers among many other accomplishments.

What are the most important issues facing your constituency, and how do you plan to deal with it?

Our team is the most qualified. We have the experience and the determination our district needs.

Why should voters vote for you?

We stand for what we believe in..."Building The Future." Nothing matters more than the future of our students.

Name: Reverend Caroline Bennett

Age: 77
Town: Long Branch, NJ
Occupation: Pastor, Retired Nurse, & President Long Branch Ministerium
Education: Graduate of Long Branch High School & Brookdale Community College
Family: Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 6
Why are you running?
I am running so that I can help and understand the children in my community. Every year during the Christmas holiday I provide food and clothing for families in need. It is important that we remember to always help one another and to be servant leaders.

What is your platform?

Our main concern is to successfully prepare our children for the future. We want our children to have the skills they need whether they choose to go to college or trade school. Social and emotional learning is also very important for our students.

Do you have previous experience in the world of politics and government?

Yes, this is my third time running for the Board of Education. I have served on the board for the last six years.

What are the most important issues facing your constituency, and how do you plan to deal with it?

One thing that I have noticed in adversity in housing. It is important to ensure students have access to housing and ensuring they have proper lodging.

Why should voters vote for you?
Because I am a lifelong Long Branch resident, growing up with my brother Sam Mills (you may know him; he played for the Carolina Panthers). I’ve always been a supporter of those who are in need; my presence on the board has been small but mighty for the marginalized communities.

Our team is the most qualified to get the job done and ensure the future of our students.

Name: Violeta Peters, R.N., M.A.LNHA
Age: 74
Town: Long Branch, NJ
Occupation: Retired CEO of a Healthcare System
Education: M.A. Farleigh Dickinson University
Family: Mother of 2 & Grandmother of 5

Why are you running?
I am running so that I can help and understand the children in my community. Every year during the Christmas holiday I provide food and clothing for families in need. It is important that we remember to always help one another and to be servant leaders.

What is your platform?
I want to continue to be involved with the wonderful programs that the Long Branch School District provides for our children and community.

Do you have previous experience in the world of politics and government?
Yes, I have over 20+ years of experience in government. I have served on the Long Branch Board of Education, including five years as president and a member of its sub-committees. I am also a past member of the New Jersey School Board Association Board of Directors. On the county government level, I have served as a Commissioner on the Monmouth County Board of Recreation and currently serve on the Monmouth County Workforce Development Board.

As President of the Latino American Association (www.laamc.org) I have been recognized for our community service by the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, Hispanic Affairs and Resource Center of Monmouth County, and Monmouth County Workforce Investment Board.

What are the most important issues facing your constituency, and how do you plan to deal with it?

Our team is very committed to exactly what our slogan is “Building The Future." We want to remain vigilant in ensuring our students have access to opportunity and aim to stabilize school taxes. During our tenure Rev. Bennett and I we instrumental in ensuring we had a zero-tax increase.

Why should voters vote for you?
I believe we are a team of the most qualified candidates. Our backgrounds are extensive and diverse.

Be the first to know. Sign up to get Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: [email protected]